Hedgehogs
The best time to see hedgehogs is at night during Spring and Summer.
Hedgehogs are one of the most popular mammals in the U.K. Of course, the hedgehog is our school mascot too. On this page you can find out lots of information about this little mammal.
In the U.K. you will only find one kind of hedgehog, the European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). Hedgehogs are nocturnal, which means they prefer to be active at night. They also hibernate between November and March, so the best time to see them is during the Spring and Summer months.
In the U.K. you will only find one kind of hedgehog, the European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). Hedgehogs are nocturnal, which means they prefer to be active at night. They also hibernate between November and March, so the best time to see them is during the Spring and Summer months.
Protection
This hedgehog has started to curl up into a ball.
Hedgehogs have spines covering most of the upper part of their body. The spines are actually very stiff hairs which grow to about 2.5cm long. The spines protect the hedgehog, when it is in danger from predators, by sticking up. Because the hedgehog's belly is covered with soft fur it has a special way of protecting itself. Hedgehogs have a long spine and special muscles, which allow the animal to curl up into a ball if threatened.
Hunting for food
This hedgehog is eating a slug
Hedgehogs have an excellent sense of smell and good hearing. However, their eyesight is poor. Hedgehogs use their sense of smell to sniff out food and they can hear the tiny movements of insects under leaves. Earthworms, beetles and caterpillars are a hedgehog's favourite food, but they also enjoy slugs, snails and insect larvae. Sometimes hedgehogs will eat birds eggs if they find a nest on the ground. They will also eat young mice and voles.
Can I feed the hedgehogs in my garden?
Dog food and water are the best types of food to leave out for hungry hedgehogs.
If you have hedgehogs in your garden, it is absolutely fine to leave food for them during their active season. However, it is important that you leave the correct type of food so that they can remain healthy. If you do decide to leave food for your hedgehogs, the best things are tinned dog meat and water. DO NOT put out bread and milk as the hedgehog cannot digest these properly.